Rasika Dugal on Little Thomas: 'Children deserve films that fuel imagination'
Synopsis
Rasika Dugal is making a case for children's cinema in India — arguing that kids deserve films that spark curiosity, not just distraction. Her upcoming film Little Thomas, set in 1990s Goa and directed by Kaushal Oza, puts that belief into practice with a story seen entirely through a child's eyes.
Key Takeaways
Rasika Dugal has advocated for more relatable, curiosity-driven cinema for children ahead of her upcoming film Little Thomas .
She plays Jessie Miranda in the film, directed by Kaushal Oza .
Little Thomas follows a seven-year-old boy's questions about babies and siblings, set in 1990s Goa , with influences from Malgudi Days and Ruskin Bond .
Rasika debuted in Anwar (2007) and has appeared in films including Hamid , Manto , and Lootcase .
She called for children's films that are 'entertaining without being frivolous and meaningful without becoming preachy.'
Actress Rasika Dugal has called for more cinema made specifically for younger audiences, saying that children deserve films that entertain them while giving them the freedom to question, imagine, and make sense of the world — remarks made ahead of the release of her upcoming film Little Thomas.
What Rasika Said About Children's Cinema
'Cinema is a wonderful way to expand your world and fuel your imagination,' Rasika said. 'Many of the thoughts and ideas we have as adults can be traced back to the films we watched growing up.'
She further noted the need for stories that embrace rather than dismiss children's curiosity. 'We therefore need films that children can relate to — films that embrace their curiosity rather than dismiss it,' she said.
On the balance between entertainment and substance, Rasika added: 'Children's cinema can be entertaining without being frivolous and meaningful without becoming preachy. I would love to see more filmmakers explore stories that children can enjoy and that open up new possibilities for their imagination.'
About Little Thomas
Directed by Kaushal Oza, Little Thomas follows a curious seven-year-old boy named Thomas, whose questions about where babies come from — and his desire for a sibling — become the heart of the narrative. Rasika plays the character Jessie Miranda, who is part of a family story told from a child's perspective, capturing the unexpectedly profound conversations that childhood curiosity can spark.
The film is set in 1990s Goa and traces the highs and lows of Thomas's family life, reportedly drawing inspiration from the gentle storytelling tradition of Malgudi Days and the works of Ruskin Bond.
Rasika Dugal: A Versatile Screen Presence
Rasika Dugal made her screen debut with a small role in Anwar (2007). She has since built a reputation for nuanced performances across a range of films, including Qissa, Tu Hai Mera Sunday, Hamid, Manto, Lootcase, and Darbaan.
Why It Matters
The conversation around dedicated children's cinema in India has long been muted, with mainstream Bollywood rarely prioritising storytelling aimed at younger viewers. Rasika's advocacy, timed to the release of Little Thomas, adds a prominent voice to a space that critics argue has been commercially and creatively underserved. If the film resonates, it could nudge more filmmakers toward exploring family-oriented narratives rooted in Indian childhood experiences.
Point of View
But they highlight a structural gap that good intentions alone cannot fix — children's cinema in India has struggled commercially for decades, leaving little financial incentive for studios to invest. Little Thomas draws on the Malgudi Days and Ruskin Bond tradition, which is a nostalgic touchstone for adults, not necessarily a magnet for today's digitally saturated young viewers. The more pointed question is whether the streaming-first landscape, which has given Indian children easier access to global content than ever before, makes homegrown children's storytelling more urgent — or less viable.
NationPress
23 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Little Thomas about?
Little Thomas is a family film directed by Kaushal Oza that follows a curious seven-year-old boy named Thomas, whose questions about where babies come from and his wish for a sibling drive the story. Set in 1990s Goa, the film is inspired by the gentle storytelling style of Malgudi Days and the works of Ruskin Bond.
What role does Rasika Dugal play in Little Thomas?
Rasika Dugal plays Jessie Miranda in Little Thomas. Her character is part of the family at the centre of the film, which explores childhood curiosity and the unexpected conversations it generates.
Why is Rasika Dugal advocating for children's cinema?
Rasika believes that children deserve stories made specifically for them — films that entertain while encouraging curiosity and imagination, rather than being dismissive or preachy. She has noted that many adult ideas and values are shaped by the films people watched as children.
Who directed Little Thomas?
Little Thomas is directed by Kaushal Oza. The film blends family drama with a child's-eye view of the world, set against the backdrop of 1990s Goa.
What films has Rasika Dugal appeared in?
Rasika Dugal made her screen debut in Anwar (2007) and has since appeared in a range of critically noted films including Hamid, Manto, Lootcase, Tu Hai Mera Sunday, and Darbaan, establishing herself as one of Hindi cinema's most versatile actors.
